Gotham Writers' Workshop has mastered the art of teaching the craft of writing in a way that is practical, accessible, and entertaining. Now the techniques of this renowned school are available in this book.

Here you'll find:- The fundamental elements of fiction craft-character, plot, point of view, etc.-explained clearly and completely- Key concepts illustrated with passages from great works of fiction- The complete text of "Cathedral" by Raymond Carver - a masterpiece of contemporary short fiction that is analyzed throughout the book- Exercises that let you immediately apply what you learn to your own writing

Written by Gotham Writers' Workshop expert instructors and edited by Dean of Faculty Alexander Steele, Writing Fiction offers the same methods and exercises that have earned the school international acclaim.

Once you've read-and written-your way through this book, you'll have a command of craft that will enable you to turn your ideas into effective short stories and novels.

You will be a writer.

Review"A valuable book for aspiring writers and aspiring teachersI highly recommend this text." Jonathan Ames, author of The Extra Man

"Here is an honest, engaging guide with lessons every writer, at any stage, will benefit from." Jhumpa Lahiri, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Interpreter of Maladies

"I've clearly found a new book to use in my own writing classes. This is a fine guide." Chuck Kinder, Writing Program Director, University of Pittsburgh

"It's an incredible book, not just for the aspiring writer but for the ardent reader as well." Michael Ray, Senior Editor, Zoetrope: All-Story

"The strength of this book is its accessibility: It explains the basics of writing fiction in a simple, easy-to-understand manner" The Writer Magazine, April 2004

"Writing Fiction is a boon for established and aspiring writers alike" Katherine Hall Page, author of the Faith Fairchild mystery series